5 | Arts & Life
7 | Sports
T-Pain performs at Howdy Rowdy Bash
Athlete of the week: Josh Dunlop
Vol. 60, Issue 2
Est. 1981
The Paisano
September 3 - September 10, 2019
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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30-year career at UTSA ends after classroom management controversy
Student petition supported Dr. Moss with over 900 signatures By Heather Montoya Co-News Editor Dr. Anita Moss, a human anatomy and physiology professor at the university for 30 years, has not been reappointed after two investigations into her classroom management in the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters. “Dr. Moss has completed the term of her contract and, based on the university’s teaching needs, it was not renewed,” Joe Izbrand, chief communications officer, said. FIRST INVESTIGATION On Nov. 12, 2018, Moss called UTSA police to escort a Paige Burgess out of class and a video of the incident was spread on social media and news accounts. The incident led
to Moss being relieved of her teaching duties and to an investigation assessing whether Moss’ actions were discriminatory. The investigation found that racial bias was not a factor. Following the incident, Moss completed classroom management training through UTSA’s Teaching and Learning Services and returned to teaching for the Spring 2019 semester. However, Moss was relieved of her teaching duties again in the spring while the university conducted a second investigation. SECOND INVESTIGATION
The spring investigation assessed whether Moss had satisfied the expectations given to her after the initial incident and inves-
after she was removed from her classroom the second time. The petition requested for Moss’ reinstatement and received over 900 signatures, but it did not lead to Moss being reinstated in the spring. “The incident in November and the removal from class, it’s been very hard personally to go through that but it does not characterize and it is not representative of my entire career,” Moss said in an exclusive interview with The Paisano.
Dr. Anita Moss, former UTSA human anatomy and physiology professor.
tigation. This investigation resulted in a recommendation that Moss may be more suitable to teach online courses as well as the implementation of
Student government hosts meet and greet By Joseph Torres Co-News Editor The Student Government Association (SGA) at UTSA held a meet and greet event on Aug. 29. The event was a part of Roadrunner Days and took place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. inside the Denman Ballroom located in the Student Union. Students had the opportunity to
meet their SGA representatives and query ways to get involved. Representatives took their places at individual tables set up for one-on-one conversations with interested students. The event provided free pizza and cookies for anyone in attendance. SGA’s first general assembly meeting is set to take place on Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. inside the Denman Ballroom.
SGA representatives discuss future plans with students.
Joseph Torres/The Paisano
Photo courtesy of Dr. Anita Moss
a task group to provide guidance for students and faculty regarding classroom management. One of Moss’ students started an online petition
POSTINVESTIGATIONS Since the report of the second investigation was released in March, the 21st Century Learning Environment task group, a group charged with providing UTSA Provost Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy
with a recommendation on improving the learning environment in classrooms at UTSA, is being organized. Moss has not been asked to return to teach at UTSA. “The students today, are no different than earlier ones; they are still doing amazing things, they’re trying to find their potential, but they already have it,” Moss said. “Some of the ones I’ve talked to and wrote letters of recommendation for, I’m just blown away. They’ve got so many things that they’ve done; they’ve been on mission trips, they know they’re going this direction, and then there’s the ones that are struggling a lot, and when I can help them, it has been a really Q&A with Anita Moss on page 2
UTSA students receive free Via bus passes By Mina Alaniz Contributing Writer UTSA and VIA Metropolitan Transit have partnered to provide free and unlimited bus service to current UTSA students, faculty and staff. “Roadrunners can save money by riding for free with VIA rather than paying for a parking permit.” Clay Haverland, UTSA’s assistant vice president for Campus Services, said. Not only can students save $163 on parking permits each year, they can also save on gas and help cut back on harmful emissions. It’s a win-win. Not to mention, it averts the hassle of finding parking on campus which becomes increasingly difficult as UTSA continues to grow. VIA’s bus stop is located across from the North Paseo Building. Additionally, VIA is available at the Downtown Campus. “VIA also provides a wide range of routes across the San Antonio area, including Route 93, which provides convenient and quick transportation between the university’s Main and Downtown Campuses,” Haverland said. All VIA buses are equipped with ramps which may be lowered upon request for easy boarding and deboarding, providing accessibility for disabled riders. While on board, students can enjoy free 4G LTE Wi-Fi to work on homework, check emails or surf the web, all while getting to their destination. “Download the VIA goMobile ticketing app. You will receive emailed instructions from VIA
VIA bus provides services to UTSA students.
Photo courtesy of Jack Meyer
at ‘no-reply@moovelna.com.’ Sign up using your UTSA preferred email address. Use the app to plan your trip and access your U-Pass ticket when you’re ready to ride,” Haverland said. More information is available on UTSA’s Campus Services website. “VIA gets me to my destination on time. It is very reliable. What I like most is its cleanliness and that I can catch a cat nap and still get where I need to be,” Victoria Hacker, senior business administration major and VIA bus rider, said.
Bicycle repair shop aims to aid students By Esteban Spongberg Contributing Writer Beginning this fall, students on UTSA’s Main Campus will have access to the Tito Bradshaw Bicycle Repair Shop. The shop is named after Tito Bradshaw, who was the owner of the Bottom Bracket Social Club, a bike shop and pillar of the San Antonio biking community. Bradshaw, whose shop was meant to be a place for bicycle enthusiasts to gather and form a community, was killed when an intoxicated driver
hit him earlier this year. “Naming the shop after him honors those efforts and, at the same time, speaks to UTSA’s emphasis on community and sustainability,” Lani May, Director of the UTSA Office of Sustainability, said. In 2017, students recognized a problem when it came to bicycles on campus and attributed it to a lack of bicycle racks. “Turns out, UTSA did not lack bike racks. Instead, some of the campus bike racks were filled with non-functioning bikes in
need of small repairs,” May said. The bicycle repair shop aims to keep bicycles in good working condition. The bike shop services include selling bicycle equipment, such as tubes and bicycle lubricant, loaning out tools for students to make repairs to their bikes and providing self-serve stations around the bike shop for students Continued on page 2 See “Tito Bradshaw Repair shop opens in September”
UTSA to make information booth into bicycle repair shop.
Jake Strieback/The Paisano
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2 | news@paisano-online.com
UTSA A Master of Science degree program in Biotechnology Commercialization will be offered to UTSA students beginning in Spring 2020. This new degree, which the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved in July, is a collaboration between UTSA’s College of Engineering and College of Business. In this program, students will complete nine semester credit hours of core courses from each college, nine hours of elective courses from either college and a final project.
Texas Eight people were killed in a mass shooting in Midland and Odessa on Aug. 31. Officials report that the gunman began shooting during a traffic stop where he shot a state trooper. He continued his rampage leaving 22 others injured before officers shot and killed the suspect. Police have reported that the gunman acted alone and an investigation is still under review.
U.S. Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane, is approaching Florida and the Southeast U.S. This is expected to be the second Category 5 hurricane to hit the Bahamas since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Dorian’s hurricane-force winds extended 45 miles outward from its center with tropical-storm-force winds that extended up to 140 miles outward.
World A suicide bomber killed at least 57 people and injured at least 119 others in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 22. The victims were registering to vote at a government offices when the explosives went off. The Afghan government has been concerned about low voter registration due to fraudulent elections and safety concerns such as suicide bombings like this one.
Business The U.S. began a new 15 percent tariff on an assortment of Chinese goods on Sept. 1. The tariffs aim to counter Beijing’s 5 percent levy on crude oil, which is the first time China has targeted fuel. More than $125 billion of Chinese imports are being targeted. China is retaliating with $75 billion in tariffs on U.S. manufactured goods.
Science A hurricane simulator from the University of Miami’s Sustain Laboratory is the largest in the world and can mimic a Category 5 hurricane. The $15 million hurricane simulator is being used to make storm predictions. Researchers at the university are focusing on hurricane formation and intensification.
Q&A with Dr. Anita Moss By Heather Montoya Co-News Editor
In an exclusive interview with The Paisano, Dr. Anita Moss reflected on her 30 years at UTSA. Moss discussed her experience teaching at UTSA, the incident in the Fall 2018 semester in which the UTSA police department escorted Paige Burgess out of her classroom and the investigations into her classroom management. Student escorted out of class in the Fall 2018 semester.
Q:
Why did you leave UTSA?
I was not reappointed for the fall semester, and I am non-tenure track and have been, more or less, on a yearly contract. I think I actually sign letters of appointment every semester, so I was
Q:
simply told by my chairman and given an email from the dean of the College of Sciences, Dean Silva, saying that I was not reappointed, so I was not given any explanation.
How many years have you been at UTSA?
I started in January of 1989, so 30 years, and it’s been quite an experience.
Q:
The investigation that the university conducted after the incident with Paige, how did that affect your interactions with students and professors?
I was immediately relieved of my duties. I was not in my classroom again for the rest of that semester. I certainly heard from many of my students, many emails, I hadn’t even known until January that a petition had started in November asking that I be reinstated, or I’m not even sure what the nature was, but many former students, and I’m not even sure who was signing it, but they were doing things that I only heard about indirectly. I did have a visit
Q:
with President Eighmy within a day or two after the incident. I think he invited me to talk to him and I do remember, he said he was amazed that a group of about 25 of my students, current students from those classes, had come to his office to talk to him, and he sat down with them and I think they were very favorable about wanting me to be back there. So I didn’t have the direct contact, but I did hear kind of what was going on.
Have you talked to President Eighmy since then?
No, I haven’t.
Q:
How were things different after the investigation that began in January?
After the investigation, there were some specific things that were said. Dr. Shipley is the one who gave the report and that was made available to the UTSA organization. It was suggested that if I were to learn about online teaching, that might be something to explore. There were other things, projects that my chairman asked me to do,
things he was interested in looking into to help the freshman biology students. He wanted them to be more prepared before they start their first biology class. So I did things during that semester but without contact with students. I did start exploring the online teaching.
Q:
Did you have any contact with the student Paige Burgess after the incident?
Yes, I did. Within a few days, there was a conference call with Interim Dean Howard Grimes, the interim dean for the College of Sciences, and Paige and her mother, I told Paige and her mom how sorry I was that the incident had happened. The faculty member that I was in contact with, Robert Rico, explained to me, if I wanted to and if Paige wanted to, we could sit together across the table in an organized situation, be able to tell our story to each other. Just the other day, I was clearing out my office. I was out in the hallway outside our
Q:
astray and I wish I had just handled the situation one-on-one because that is really the appropriate way to do that. I should have just talked to her and done things outside of class.
What do you think of the task group?
Well, I’m still not quite sure what they’re doing. If they are going to look into classroom management, I feel like that would be directed at the faculty and think there is a big need for faculty to have very clear guidelines on management. Everybody’s got different
Q:
department talking to Dr. Sunder, my chairman, and Paige had been in the office talking to somebody. She came out and we said hello, spoke a few more words, and I asked her about her plans; she was planning on going onto dental school. We gave each other a hug, and it was really good for me to just have that last contact because I probably won’t see her again. That was nice and I don’t hold any ill will towards her, and I don’t think she does towards me. It was just really unfortunate.
Would you have done anything differently?
Yes, yes I would. I wish I had talked to her privately after class or in my office, invited her to come talk to me. I had attempted to talk to her, to communicate with her. It was an email that went
Q:
Photo Courtesy of Judith De Quevedo
rules and different things that maybe they consider distracting or disruptive or disrespectful, but there needs to be some uniformity to that, and the students’ behavior needs to be made clear, what is expected of them, as well.
What are your plans for going forward from this?
I am still interested in teaching. I am interested in exploring online teaching. I don’t anticipate doing this at UTSA, but I can see that could be something that, in some ways, I just think that would be something different and certainly I would like to find smaller classes to teach. The academic year 2000, I taught a total of 330 students. In 2018
and 2019, I was teaching about 1,100 students combined in those two semesters. Over three times as many students and that’s teaching four sections, so 330 students divided into four sections versus 1,100 and something in four sections. And that’s just me lecturing, so I think I would look forward to teaching a smaller class and maybe online.
Tito Bradshaw repair shop opens in September Continued from Page 1 to repair their bikes when the shop is closed. Throughout the year, the Office of Sustainability will be working with the Recreation Wellness Center and Outdoor Pursuits to hold events such as skill and repair workshops and safety classes. The shop will be open weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. “The UTSA Office of Sustainability will hold a grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The all-day event to celebrate the student space will include bike repair and skills workshops, yoga, slacklining and tours of the Leon Greenway trail,” May said. “UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, Mayor Ron Nirenberg,
District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez, who represents the Main Campus area, and District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, who represents the Downtown Campus area, will officially honor Tito Bradshaw with a ribbon cutting for the bike shop at 6 p.m.” The repair shop is one part of the Office of Sustainability’s larger initiatives to improve UTSA’s walkability, which refers to how suitable an area is for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-car users. Factors that affect walkability include: development density, urban sprawl, low connectivity and infrastructure measures that include bike lanes and sidewalks. “As part of those efforts, earlier this summer, the Office of
Sustainability held a trail build to construct a 300-foot gravel trail for students at the bike shop,” May said. The Office of Sustainability sent a submittal to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant (TXDOT) to fund the initiative. “The grant will fund a larger initiative that includes
efforts to expand the bike shop to the Downtown Campus,” May said. “It also would fund a UTSA transportation planner for three years to create policy, hold events, promote bicycling, pedestrian connectivity and advance other efforts to increase awareness of the benefits of alternative transportation.”
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opinion Who really determines the retention of UTSA professors? Editorial If professors who are beloved by students are expendable to the university, then the university’s teaching needs are not compatible with the needs of students. Professors, whether on the tenure track or not, have a significant impact on their students. Semester after semester, our professors are invested in our academic success and our growth from awkward first-day icebreakers to the “good luck on the final” statement. Professors cultivate the next generation of leaders and deserve to be treated well and with respect. Not only do our professors need to be supported by their students, they need to be supported by the university. The university can’t expect students to feel supported while they are witnessing their professors being treated as disposable. Currently, professors may be constrained by job insecurity. For some professors, such as those not on a tenure track, the fear of not being rehired lingers and carries
over into the classroom – sometimes for decades. A healthy learning environment for students is fostered when the university supports its faculty members. If the university truly wants the students to have a healthy learning environment, then the university should not ignore the course evaluation responses from the students themselves when determining the continued employment of a faculty member. The culture across academia is teeming with professors who feel each semester might be their last. If consistently strong reviews from course evaluations can’t secure their future, then what can? A value of the university should be to encourage professors to be at the forefront of thought in the same capacity that they encourage students.
Emmanuelle Maher/The Paisano
The Paisano
Birds up. Feet up?
The Independent Student Newspaper for the UTSA Community
Letter to the Editor
In the Fall of 2018, Dr. Anita Moss was removed from the classroom for a dispute with a student that made national headlines. Filled with miscommunications, misdirected e-mails and a UTSAPD interaction, a student was escorted from the class and eventually a faculty member was removed from the university. Her contract has since not been renewed and she is unlikely to return. While there are a number of legitimate criticisms on which the way Dr. Moss managed her classroom and the way the student(s) repeatedly failed to follow directions to respect UTSA property, Dr. Moss was removed the second time for one thing: her syllabus. Hidden inside her Spring 2019 syllabus was a list of course expectations and what she viewed as disruptive behavior, including putting feet up. According to the Interim Dean of the College of Science Dr. Howard Grimes, students “putting their feet on the chair was not a disruptive classroom behavior.” Dr. Moss’ syllabus included such a statement, which is what led to her removal in January of 2019 (source: http://provost.utsa.edu/home/docs/MossReport-Feb28Redacted.pdf). So, College of Science students: After a year of racially-charged civility-challenging tumult, I ask you to remember to use this new found right. In your classrooms, in your labs and in any science building, put your feet up. We earned it.
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Figure it out: your future self will thank you Commentary
By Joseph Torres Co-News Editor During the fall semester of 2018, I was staring blankly into my laptop as the contents of my screen blurred out of focus. I was completely zoned out. So, I closed my laptop and took a walk around campus and tried to recall my self-actualization which encouraged me to go back to school in the first place. “I don’t like my major. Am I just supposed to go with the flow hoping one day it’ll get better?” My mind was plagued with insecurities about what I actually wanted to obtain from my higher education experience. However, struggling through my first semester at UTSA was
the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I started to explore more opportunities on campus. This led me to several general meetings for student organizations and exposed me to new environments. Ultimately, I was on the hunt for what really grabbed my attention and compelled my curiosity to explore further. Everybody is trying to answer the same question: “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” I’ve found that if you’re willing to look, the answer presents itself on campus, in the courses you take, in student organizations and in dialogue with students and faculty. However, another question arises once your curiosity is piqued: “How do I competently handle my pursuit of education responsibly?”
College is not high school 2.0, and it shouldn’t be viewed as another four-year grind to some unknown destination. It is an opportunity for individuals to reason with their futureselves. Not only are we trying to figure out what occupation we aspire for most, we’re also trying to establish guidelines for the person we ultimately want to become. The possibilities are only limited by the boundaries we place on our ideas and the actions that follow. It may sound like a heavy burden to bear, but in the words of John Lennon, “It’s easy if you try.” Every time we step into a classroom we are presented with two choices: to learn from our respected instructors or to zone out. I encourage the former; it’s what future-you will appreciate the most. With each course we
take, we enter a mutual agreement with our professors. They are here to teach us the latest and most relevant information on the subject at hand. It is therefore our responsibility as students to digest this information for future use. The knowledge that we will someday use in conversation will have originated from these didactic minds. The foundation of an individual’s education is held up by responsible critical thinking, a responsibility that falls on every student. This promotes a campus where constructive dialogue is valued. It is up to us to be intelligent consumers of the information we choose to include in our discourse, especially in a modern world where information is so easily accessible. We rely on universities to
gather knowledge that will help students navigate the unknown. I’m stumbling just as blindly as you are. However, I find solace in knowing that I do not stumble alone. Collectively, we make up the student body of UTSA. What we do with our experiences here will determine our future. Our legacy as Roadrunners will pave the way forward for the students that follow, just like the students before us. I implore you to take advantage of your time here. If not for current-you, then do it for the person you want to become. You will look back on these days sooner than you think, and I hope it’s with admiration. You won’t always have the opportunity to start over, so start now.
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4 | editor@paisano-online.com
Don’t push your luck Commentary
By Alex Hanks Arts & Life Editor Imagine fighting to get to the top of your career field, and suddenly calling it quits once you get there. That’s what Indianapolis Colts quarterback and 2012 #1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck announced last week when he retired from the NFL at age 29, an age that is known for being a period of peak performance in an NFL quarterback’s career. Luck is a testament to the old saying ‘be more than just foot-
ball.’ Football instills values of resilience and doing everything you can to ensure that you are the best version of yourself. But a lot of times, this philosophy fails to consider that the best version of a football player might be one who is not playing football at all. The news came as a shock considering Luck would be giving up $58.1 million dollars on the rest of his contract extension. What many avid football fans fail to consider is the myriad of diverse and cataclysmic injuries that have damaged Luck’s body, arguably beyond repair. Being an NFL franchise quarterback can be a painful and
strenuous occupation, and scientific innovations are showing reductions in brain functionality of NFL quarterbacks post-retirement. So aside from Luck’s torn labrum, ankle and calf, Luck also rationally considered the ramifications of another decade of helmet-to-helmet contact if he were to finish his career at the age of 40 like some of his contemporaries. Critics took their harsh feelings about his retirement to the media calling him a coward for retiring a little over a week before the NFL season begins, leaving the Colts without someone adequate enough to fill his slot on the depth chart. However, I couldn’t disagree
more with the critics. Luck’s retirement should serve as a model for current and future NFL players: Don’t compromise your mind, body and spirit for a career that isn’t fulfilling anymore. This is a lesson that could apply to students and athletes alike. When the negatives of something you love begin to outweigh the positives, be versatile enough to pursue a different direction. Andrew Luck played for and graduated from the prestigious Stanford University where he played on a full scholarship. At 29, Luck still has the time and money to utilize his architectural design degree from Stanford.
It is critical in our lives to know when to stop. In most cases, athletes wait for injuries to plague their career until they are unhireable by teams. It takes a certain sense of courage to quit in your prime. Sure, Luck will be giving up an estimated $450 million dollars by leaving football. But you can’t put a price on one’s health and that is the most important parameter to consider when making decisions about your future.
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The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2019, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.
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Arts & Life ‘I’m ‘n Love (With UTSA)’ T-Pain performs at Howdy Rowdy Bash By Jacob Striebeck Staff Writer Auto-tuned melodies filled the concert venue Friday night at Fiesta Texas as students gathered in the theme park for the Howdy Rowdy Bash. This exclusive event, hosted by Roadrunner Productions, offered UTSA students open access to the grounds of Fiesta Texas, including roller coaster rides and a variety of entertainment. Headlining this event was a free concert performance Grammy award winner, T-Pain. Hip-hop hero T-Pain is a household name and cultural icon who has held important influence on pop culture and music since the late 2000s. The world could hear his iconic auto-tune everywhere: on summer radio stations, on Myspace pages and at every club and dancefloor in existence. Music lovers across the world were belting the chorus to “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” “Bartender” “I’m
‘n Luv (Wit a Stripper)” and many more hits and singles by the auto-tune icon. His impact on the whole genre of hip-hop is evident and a result of history of collaborations with some of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. The UTSA Band and Cheerleading squad kicked off the concert with horns and cheers, blasting and boasting school pride in celebratory fashion. This got the student body rowdy and ready, and chants for T-Pain erupted through the venue. Each note of auto-tune lit the atmosphere brighter than the already-brilliant stage lighting. DJ Montay worked the beats and brought the energy centerstage while T-Pain danced around, delivering flow after flow, melody after melody. He played his older songs. He played his newer songs. He played covers across various
genres. His vocal versatility was showcased as he sang slow songs, rapped fast songs and did what legends do. T-Pain interacted with the students continuously throughout the show. At one point, he even made the whole crowd do jumping jacks. He entertained the audience with stories of side chicks and complaints of Texas heat. He finished off the night with a rowdy performance of “All I Do Is Win.” Hands went up while T-Pain set Fiesta Texas ablaze with energy. T-Pain thanked the crowd over chants of love and enjoyment. As he left the stage, T-Pain said some words of encouragement: “Live life to the fullest.” The Howdy Rowdy Bash is proof in the pudding. Roadrunners celebrated to the fullest, and T-Pain’s lessons and influence lives on.
Roadrunners pack the venue.
Ethan Gullett/The Paisano
A performance of hit song “Buy U a Drank”
Jacob Striebeck/The Paisano
The 10x Grammy nominated artist takes the stage.
T-Pain Ethan Gullett/The Paisano experiences Texas Ethan Gullett/The Paisano heat.
Jake Striebeck/The Paisano
T-Pain hypes up the crowd.
Recap: ¡Eso Es! Fest heads to San Antonio A South Texas Music Tour Celebrating Latinx Diversity and Nostalgia By Laura C. Valdez
Contributing Writer Last Wednesday at the Paper Tiger and put on by South Texas based booking group, Margin Walker, ¡Eso Es! was a summer party celebrating the diversity of Latinx artists consisting well-known acts such as Neon Indian, Empress Of, La Goony Chonga, Bidi Bidi Banda and Luna Luna. Local DJs (and St. Mary’s Strip legends) LZRCAT and XANAXFANCLUB spun records between sets. ¡Eso Es! hit all the nostalgia points for any Latinx person who grew up in South Texas. Upon walking up to Paper Tiger, guests were greeted by food vendors selling Hot Cheetotopped elote and sour pickles with chamoy among many other Latinx street food favorites. Inside the venue, the nostalgia continued. The Paper Tiger was decorated with a 90s glamourshot style airbrush photo booth as well as an airbrush artist customizing ¡Eso Es! merch. Luna Luna, a collective from Dallas that describes themselves as a “modern indie band,” started off the night, and their tunes filled the air with dreamy synth-pop perfect for any summer night. Following Luna Luna was a Selena Quintanilla tribute band, Bidi Bidi Banda. The crowd danced and sang along to all of Selena’s greatest hits as Bidi Bidi Banda hit all the late Latinx icon’s signature grooves from her Donna Summer disco medley, which was performed at her last concert at the Astrodome in 1995, to her greatest hits such as “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.” The night took a turn for a more hype vibe as Miami queen, La Goony Chonga graced the stage rapping in Spanish to heavy 808 beats that felt native to the south. ¡Eso Es! made sure that the dancing would not end with La Goony Chonga as the synth-pop queen, Empress Of, made sure the crowd danced to her songs. She pranced across the stage in a neon orange two-piece set, and she engaged with the audience and made sure the crowd swayed along to her hits such as, “I Don’t Even Smoke Weed.” The main act of the evening was “chillwave” group Neon Indian, whose singer, Adam Palomo, is a San Antonio native. They played hits from their 2011 critically acclaimed album, “Era Extraña,” which had the crowd in constant swaying motion throughout their set. “It’s a great experience to be around all these Latinx artists that aren’t just one genre of music. This tour shows that you can’t put us in a box – we can do everything,” La Goony Chonga proclaimed. Latinx artists come in all spectrums and ethnicities, and ¡Eso Es! captured it all perfectly.
Local artist displays Sofia Garcia/The Paisano Singers ignite the crowd. their talent.
Sofia Garcia/The Paisano
Stagehands adjust the lighting to supplement an electrifying performance.
Sofia Garcia/The Paisano
Fans pack the venue for this Latinx-centered event.
Sofia Garcia/The Paisano
Sofia Garcia/The Paisano Paper Tiger Concert Venue
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6 | arts@paisano-online.com
Black & Brown Punk Fest ‘19
Big Sis Advice: Safe Spaces
Punk Saved My Life. Kimiya Factory
By: Kimiya Factory
Staff Writer
Decolonizing punk
Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
Staff Writer
Second annual Black & Brown Punk Fest Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
On Aug 31 at La Botanica, Xingonas in the Pit presented the second annual Black & Brown Punk Fest TX. Feminist punk collective Xingonas in the Pit strive to maintain safe spaces for people of color and decolonize stigmas surrounding gender, race and discrimination in the art scene around the San Antonio area. “Any homophobia or negative energy will not be tolerated.” Daisy Salinas, a member of the feminist punk collective, made a safe space announcement to attendees of the event. A safe space crew was present to ensure that the important discourse of decolonizing punk music was a positive experience for those who participated. Liberated on-lookers of the crowd bobbed their heads and smiled with gratitude as musical acts by Dregs, Fantastico, Sacred Games, The Canancion Canabal Cabaret, Majority Bones, Ojos, V3co, Black Mercy, Dirt Pile, Kerry Melonson, Mercutio & the Constantines and Anywhere Welcomes You took the stage. Film screenings, “I Am Tx” and “Deflated” were shown at the event along with comedic interpretations of blackness in the punk scene. Planned Parenthood San Antonio, Pray & Plot, No Whites Allowed (NWA) Zine, El Puno y Lamano, Rosa Negra, Chicle Zine, The Brown Berets, Alethia Jones and
“I am Tx” screening takes place
Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
other vendors tabled to show their support for the decolonizing of punk music. “It’s important to let people know that black and brown people have a presence in punk rock- in all types of music. Punk rock, rebellion and black and brown go hand in hand,” Pray & Plot, local artist and vendor, commented. Non-conforming souls came alive at the Black and Brown Punk Fest this weekend before everyone’s eyes in a space that many artists and people of color are demanding be maintained.
Decolonizing Punk through Fashion Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
Photo courtesy of Dominique Beltran
Imagine someone crying actual tears to you about “the struggle” that is known as your existence. “They’re so sorry that you’re oppressed, and they could never understand what a day in your shoes must be like.” At first, it’s flattering to think someone might “get it,” but after a couple of apologies on behalf of the entire white community, it gets awkward. This has happened on multiple occasions. I’ve learned to purse my lips, smile politely, nod my head, swallow my embarrassment and wonder when my existence as a black woman became an oppressive eulogy that others find appropriate to give at 3:00 p.m. in passing. Painting that picture for you when approaching this topic is essential; I wouldn’t want to be accused of being racist. When I reflect on the concept of feminism and all the forms it comes in, conversations like these get lost in translation because, first, black women are recently getting a seat at the feminist table (Susan B. Anthony was clear about that). Second, rape and sexual assault do not discriminate against race, class, gender or sexual orientation. Finally, oppression is intersectional; therefore, these conversations are always a privilege. So I stand there, and I watch the guilt of centuries manifest itself in a space where I pretend sometimes that I am not oppressed. This space is not disrupted by pity or sorrow — only defiance — and I encourage survivors of every ethnicity to speak out against sexual violence that they’ve been encouraged to be silent about by society. Hold my hand, and don’t speak over me. Wipe your tears because sometimes I have to pick and choose when to spill mine. Last but never least #ChangeRapeCulture. -For Survivors and community organizers alike Xoxo, Big Sis
Send your suggestions for Big Sis Advice to arts@ paisano-online.com N.W.A zine tables in Afro-Futuristic style.
Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
Online Photo Gallery Black & Brown Punk Fest Visit paisano-online.com/ arts-life Fans and performers radiate liberating energy in mosh pits. Kimiya Factory/The Paisano
S e pt e m b e r 3 - S eptem ber 1 0, 2019
sports@paisano-online.com | 7
Sports
Frank Harris escapes from multiple Cardinal defenders.
Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano Carlos Strickland celebrating scoring a touchdown.
Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano
Roadrunners cage the Cardinals QB Frank Harris dazzles in collegiate debut
U
By Jake Striebeck Staff Writer
TSA started the 2019-2020 season in “rowdy” fashion, defeating the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals by a score of 35-7 on Saturday night. The blowout win filled the hearts of Roadrunners with optimism and excitement for the upcoming football season. UTSA hosted UIW for the ‘Runners first home game of the season at the Alamodome. This was the first matchup between the two San Antonio universities, and an attendance of 26,787 came to spectate this “Hometown Showdown.” The football team, led by Head Coach Frank Wilson, matched the energy of the crowd leading a fierce and fast-paced game plan and finding success in various facets. The ‘Runners offense led a brutal rushing attack for 284 total yards, with strong contributions from tailbacks Sincere McCormick, Brenden Brady and quarterback Frank Harris, who led the team with 123 rushing yards. Harris showcased superior athletic mobility and speed in his first game for the Roadrunners, cutting through the Cardinals’ defense with scrambles, QB options and excellent decision making. Harris also did a near-perfect job passing the ball, throwing for three touchdowns, completing his first 13 passes and completing passes to 11 different receivers. The ‘Runners were 4-4 in red-zone conversions and dominated possession time with 40:02.
UTSA’s defense smothered Head Coach Eric Morris’ Cardinals offense throughout the game. The ‘Runners held UIW’s rush game to 28 total yards and 209 total offense yards. UTSA collected four sacks, two from defensive end Lorenzo Dantzler, to go along with one interception. UTSA held the Cardinals to only 19:58 in possession time. UIW won the opening coin toss and elected to defer, giving UTSA the first possession. The Cardinals’ special team unit botched the opening kick, providing UTSA with good field position to begin the game. Despite that, the ‘Runners first possession ended as quickly as it began with a quick three and out and a punt to hand UIW offensive possession. UIW started their first drive with a pair of successful passes from Cardinal quarterback Jon Copeland, but UTSA’s defense quickly reacted. Adjustments were made and UIW was brought to a fourth down. In surprising fashion, UIW attempted a fake punt, hoping to catch the ‘Runners off guard and maintain possession. UTSA’s special team unit covered the fake punt perfectly and tackled the punter deep in the backfield. After the game, UIW’s Head Coach Eric Morris admitted that the fake punt was not meant to be called and was a result of miscommunication among the coaching staff. UTSA started their second offensive possession on UIW’s 40-yard line. UTSA’s Harris had three completions in a row to get the ‘Runners into the red-zone. UTSA ended the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Harris to
TE Carlos Strickland II. Two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties were called on UTSA after the touchdown for excessive celebration. The Cardinals quickly followed with a three and out, handing the ball back to the Roadrunners. UTSA went on to carry out a 14 play, 7:10 minute drive that featured an explosive 19-yard rush from Harris and finished with tailback Brady barreling into the endzone on a 10-yard rush, bringing the score to 14-0. UIW secured a short possession of only 2:15 minutes, but this time ended it with a score of their own. Copeland led the Cardinal offense down the field with a 45-yard pass to wide receiver Jaelin Campbell, setting them up with field position inside the red-zone. The drive ended with an 11-yard pass to Ameer King for a touchdown, bringing UIW closer with a score of 14-7. UIW’s special team unit once again botched the kick off, this time sending the ball out of bounds and giving UTSA position near mid-field. Harris led the drive with a collection of rushes and passes to put them into position in the red-zone. Tailback Deven Boston finished the drive on a 6-yard rush, giving UTSA a 21-7 lead. The Cardinals returned with a three and out in less than 2 minutes of possession time. The ‘Runners responded with a lengthy drive towards UIW’s 22-yard line. The drive ended with a rare mistake by Harris, throwing an interception caught by UIW’s Ashton Preston. The half ended with the Cardinals running out the clock.
The second half began with UIW in possession. In Cardinal fashion, they repeated a short possession of only 2:03 minutes and returned the ball to the ‘Runners. UIW’s drive ended on a failed conversion attempt on fourth and nine at mid-field. Scoring became routine for the ‘Runners. McCormick broke for a 47-yard rush during the drive, putting the offense in position to stride into the endzone on a five-yard pass from Harris to TE Gavin Sharp. The Cardinals and the Roadrunners traded possessions multiple times to end the 3rd quarter. UTSA scored once again in the beginning of the fourth quarter on an impressive 91-yard drive, led by the acrobatic play of Harris. Wide receiver Tykee Ogle-Kellogg scored the last points of the game with a 36-yard catch to give the Runners a 35-7 lead. The game finished with the appearance of UTSA’s second unit, a blow-out win in hand. With a decisive win at home to start the football season, the Roadrunners are left with a new-found sense of pride. Coach Wilson has orchestrated a polished, determined, explosive football team, and with the leadership of Harris, UTSA can hope to see continued success throughout the season. The Roadrunners will face Baylor for their first away game of the season next Saturday, Sept. 7. For more photos head over to paisano-online.com
Athlete of the Week: Josh Dunlop
gether, but this time they stayed in the wave pool. They were so rambunctious, parents took their kids out of the pool and the wave pool was turned off. Originally from Indiana, Josh Dunlop’s love for Dunlop grew up with two brothers, both of football began in his front yard with his two older which had a large impact in his decision of joining brothers. Now, Dunlop is the starting offensive football. However, they first got him into video tackle for the Roadrunners. games. As Dunlop grew up, they incorporated him In the fifth grade, Dunlop’s football career beinto their games. Although his brothers played a gan by playing in a youth league. Dunlop did not big role, Dunlop’s greatest influential factor for like playing at first because he was out of shape playing college football is his mother. She was the and would rather be at home playing video games. basketball coach for Dunlop and his older brothHowever, as middle school approached, Duners’ teams. lop began to workout and give football another “We would show up at this sports place on Satchance. urday and she would coach my game and my two “I started to get used to this and ever since then other brothers games all in one day,” Dunlop said. I just kept playing,” Dunlop said. Dunlop described his hero to be Godzilla. His Coming out of high school, Dunlop went to rationale behind this was in the latest Godzilla community college in Kansas where he spent his movie, where he chest-bumped his way through a freshman and sophomore year studying communibuilding. cation. He was recruited by UTSA his junior year “I love how massive he is. When he roars, it is to play for the ‘Runners. so loud; I sound like a kid,” Dunlop said with a Dunlop would describe the night life as his fachuckle. vorite part of UTSA. He enjoys going out with his Josh Dunlop guarding a Cardnial defender. Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano Being on the leadership council was one of the teammates and spending time with them outside and all these people are looking right at us right now,” greatest accomplishments of his career. When he of practice. His favorite year was his freshman year be- Dunlop said. first came to UTSA, he looked up to the seniors on the cause the first game of that season was cancelled due to Outside of football, Dunlop enjoys the movies, council and they showed him the ropes as to what it Hurricane Harvey. Then the ‘Runners played at Baylor. his favorite being “Interstellar” with Matthew Mcmeans to be a part of the leadership team. He came to Dunlop came from a junior college playing in front of Conaughey. He also enjoys watching Major League the ‘Runners as a junior, so he would do his best to be the bus driver and his parents, making Baylor’s home Soccer and professional basketball as a close second. a leader for the rest of the team. opener the most exciting game. Dunlop’s favorite teams to watch are European soccer “This year my peers voted me on the leadership “There were so many times coach was talking and I teams, specifically. council; it meant the world to me because it means I’m was branching out looking at the crowd; I was trying Dunlop’s favorite memory with the team was when setting a good example and they want to follow in my to find my mom way up in the nosebleeds. I will never they went to the wave pool at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. footsteps. It’s a huge honor,” Dunlop said. forget that for the rest of my life because it was so loud Typically they branch off and ride roller coasters toBy Lindsey Thomas Photo Editor
8 | sports@paisano-online.com
Se pte mbe r 3 - Se pte mbe r 10, 2019
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